Murray reaches new high

Andy Murray is set to be rewarded with a career-high world ranking of 15 after his run to the final of the ExxonMobil Open in Qatar.

The Scottish teenager moved closer to the top 10 after an encouraging start to the year which ended in a 6-4 6-4 defeat to world number five Ivan Ljubicic.

"To get to the final of an ATP tournament is a great start to the year," said Murray. "I've played five matches and I'm guaranteed three more in the warm-up at Kooyong, so I should be feeling pretty good when I go into the Australian now."

Murray is much more confident of enjoying some sustained success in Melbourne this year with his seeding ensuring he will avoid some of the big names who restricted his progress last year.

Murray added: "I wouldn't say I got off to a slow start last year, I'd say I played two very good players in (Tomas) Berdych and (Mario) Ancic, who both finished in the top 15.

"Obviously I am seeded this year so I avoid those types of players from the start, which gives you a chance to work your way into a tournament.

"I'm happy with how my game progressed. To come back from a set down in two matches - something I wasn't doing at the start of last year - it has been a great week."